Floyd Cooper Book order

During the Great Migration in 1930's Louisiana, eight-year-old Jenny tries to understand why a man named Jim Crow is making trouble for her family.

This moving picture book tells the story of Juneteenth with all the care and reverence such a holiday deserves. The rhyming text and stunning illustrations will teach children about this historic day in history. 'Twas the night before freedom, and all through the South, long-whispered rumors had, spread word of mouth. "It’s coming! It’s coming!" I heard people say. "Emancipation is coming our way." Eight-year-old David and his family gather at Grandma’s house in Galveston, Texas, for a cherished family tradition: Grandma’s annual retelling of the story of Juneteenth, the holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. The signing of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln meant that all enslaved persons within the rebellious states would be free as of January 1, 1863. However, people in Texas did not receive the news of their emancipation until two and a half years later—on June 19, 1865. Grandma tells the story of anticipation, emancipation, and jubilation just as it was told to her many years before by her own grandmother, Mom Bess. As a six-year-old, Bess had experienced the very first Juneteenth. Before that day, she could only imagine what liberty would look like. But once freedom arrived, would it live up to a little girl’s dreams? The story is written in the same meter as Clement C. Moore's The Night Before Christmas, making it a perfect book for parents and kids to read together.

"This picture book biography recounts the extraordinary life of Augustus Jackson, an African American entrepreneur who is known as the "Father of Ice Cream.""-- Provided by publisher

A little girl helping her grandmother prepare a holiday meal learns about the origins of soul food in this powerful picture book that celebrates African American cuisine and identity from an award-winning author. Know what I like most about Grandma’s kitchen? More than jambalaya? More than sweet potato pie? Even more than pralines? Grandma’s stories! Every meal Grandma cooks comes with a story. What will today’s story be? While visiting her grandma in Louisiana, nine-year-old Frances is excited to help prepare the New Year’s Day meal. She listens as Grandma tells stories—dating back to the Atlantic Slave Trade—about the food for their feast. Through these stories, Frances learns not only about the ingredients and the dishes they are making but about her ancestors and their history as well. A celebration of the stories that connect us, this picture book urges us to think about the foods we eat and why we eat them. This book was inspired by the author's own childhood and includes her family's very own recipe for pralines in the back!

A celebration of a remarkable, overlooked musical great.

Ira Aldridge dreamed of being on stage, performing the great works of William Shakespeare. He spent every chance he got at the local theaters, memorizing each actor's lines for all of the great plays. Ira knew he could be a famous performer if given the chance. But in the early 1800s, only white actors were allowed to perform Shakespeare. African American actors had to play in musicals at the all-black theater in New York City.Despite the discouragement of his teacher and father, Ira determinedly pursued his dream and set off for England, the land of Shakespeare. There he honed his acting skills and eventually performed at the acclaimed Theatre Royal Haymarket. Through perseverance and determination, Ira became one of the most celebrated Shakespearean actors in Europe, and a public supporter of the abolitionist movement. This chapter book edition includes black-and-white illustrations as well as sidebars on related subjects, a timeline, a glossary, and recommended reading.

<b>Mama's getting married, and Jackson has an important job to do! A story about love, weddings, and the special joy that is a blended family.</b> Jackson's mama is getting married, and he gets to be the ring bearer. But Jackson is worried . . . What if he trips? Or walks too slowly? Or drops the rings? And what about his new stepsister, Sophie? She's supposed to be the flower girl, but Jackson's not sure she's taking her job as seriously as she should. In a celebration of blended families, this heartwarming story, stunningly illustrated by the award-winning Floyd Cooper, is a perfect gift for any child who's nervous to walk down the aisle at a wedding, and shows kids that they can handle life's big changes. <b>Praise for <i>The Ring Bearer</i> </b> "Throughout, Cooper's softly textured mixed-media illustrations offer a warm, affirming depiction of this black family's life and love together . . . Readers will be joining the congregation in cheering for Jackson."--<i>Kirkus Reviews </i>"Written with simplicity, immediacy, and warmth....Cooper creates beautiful effects with subtle colors, textures, and suffused light in the soft-focus paintings. A heartening, reassuring picture book."--<i>Booklist </i>"Children will identify readily with Jackson's fears and enjoy the way he overcomes them. A solid purchase for any picture book collection."--<i>School Library Journal </i>"Many children experience parental weddings, and these times are filledwith joy and nervousness. Cooper captures each moment."--<i>Horn Book</i>

The narrative centers on Jackson, who has a significant role to play as his mother prepares for marriage. It explores themes of love and the joy of weddings while highlighting the unique dynamics of a blended family. Through Jackson's perspective, the story captures the excitement and emotional nuances of family unity during this special occasion.

Ira Aldridge dreamed of being on stage one day performing the great works of William Shakespeare. But in the early 1800s, only white actors were allowed to perform Shakespeare. Despite being discouraged by his teacher and father, Ira determinedly pursued his dream and set off to England, the land of Shakespeare. There, Ira honed his acting skills and eventually performed at the acclaimed Theatre Royal Haymarket. Through perseverance and determination, Ira became one of the most celebrated Shakespearean actors throughout Europe.

The narrative centers on Mazie's journey to understand Juneteenth and its significance, guided by her grandfather's story. Through their shared experiences, she discovers the historical context and cultural importance of this pivotal moment in American history, highlighting themes of heritage, resilience, and the ongoing struggle for freedom.